Using a budget is not a one-size-fits-all sort of deal. You could use a paper & pencil system, the envelope system, an Excel spreadsheet, software like Quicken, or an online tool like Mint.com. For those interested in giving Mint a try, I’m showing how in a series of short instructional videos. In the video below, […]
Tag Archives | Mint.com
Getting Started With Mint.com
People who’ve never used a budget usually hate the idea. They think of a budget as the wicked witch of personal finance whose sole purpose is to drive any semblance of fun right out of their financial life. In truth, it’s just the opposite. A budget, or as I prefer, a Cash Flow Plan, is […]
How Does Mint.com Keep User Information Safe? A Conversation With Mint’s Security Architect
If you’re thinking about using an online budget tool, you may be concerned about security. That’s because in order to do what they do best – automatically track your spending – you have to provide them with the passwords to your bank accounts, credit cards, and other accounts you want them to track. Recently I […]
Mint’s New Debt Reduction Tool: A Review
This week, popular free online budget site Mint.com launched a new tool that helps people figure out when they could be out of debt and keeps them updated on their progress. I’ll explain how it works, along with its pros and cons, in a minute. But first, a little background. Making Budgets Cool When Mint […]
How to Budget: Don’t Miss This Step
Regular readers know I highly recommend that everyone use a budget, or as I prefer, a Cash Flow Plan. It’s the most powerful tool I know of for smart money management. There are three steps involved in using a Cash Flow Plan. First, plan the use of your income. How much will you give, save, […]
Which Household Budget System Is Best For You?
A Cash Flow Plan (budget) is the single most powerful personal finance tool anyone can use for wise money management. But this is not a one-size-fits all proposition; there are different planning and tracking systems, each with its own advantages. Here are the options, along with my recommendations as to who would benefit the most […]
How Much Should I Spend?
Regular readers of this blog know that I’m a strong believer in the use of a budget. Once you start tracking your income and expenses, the next logical question is how much should I spend on food, fun, and all the rest. That’s why I developed detailed recommended spending guidelines for one-, two-, three-, and […]
The Ugliest Dog in the Personal Finance Pound Finally Gets Some Respect
Budget. The mere mention of the word makes people cringe, gnash their teeth, bang their head against the wall, or slump in their chair. When I ask workshop participants who comes to mind when they think of a budget, I get responses like The Grinch, Scrooge, and Dwight from “The Office.” One person even said, […]